Court Interpreter Qualifications

There are many skills required for an interpreter to be able to work competently in a legal setting.

Be fluent in three languages.

It goes without saying that a court interpreter needs to be fluent in English as well as another language. However, a court interpreter also needs to be fluent in a third kind of language — the language of legal terminology and protocol. A court interpreter must be comfortable with the often-confusing legal jargon that is bandied about freely in a courtroom.

Have infallible public speaking skills.

It helps for a court interpreter to have excellent public speaking skills and the ability to reign in emotion while working. Some testimony may be shocking or graphic, and a court interpreter cannot be daunted by conveying this information.

Additionally, a court interpreter must be able to refrain from expressing personal opinions or taking a side while interpreting.

Exercise quick and impartial judgment.

Obviously, a court interpreter must act quickly and know how to handle any linguistic or ethical issues that will undoubtedly arise. A good court interpreter will know how to solve a problem and when it is necessary to bring an issue to the attention of the court.

Always be improving.

Finally, a qualified court interpreter will always be striving to make improvements. Everything from reading and brushing up on vocabulary, researching unfamiliar terms and concepts, and attending conferences and seminars will improve a court interpreter’s abilities.

Court Interpreter Certifications

There is no nationwide certification program for court interpreters. However, different states have different requirements for proficiency among court interpreters, and there are a variety of different tests that court interpreters can take to prove competency and gain employment opportunities.

The US federal court system has developed a certification program for court interpreters. If a court interpreter passes the two-part exam, he or she will be certified and eligible to make more money when working in federal court proceedings. The certification program is currently only available in Haitian-Creole, Navajo and Spanish languages.

Since there is no universal standard for certifications, standards should be encouraged among court interpreters. Remember that a good court interpreter will be fast, fluent, impartial and professional!

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Since 1983, our mission has been and remains to provide law firms, sole practitioners and even governments with confidential, time-sensitive language and litigation solutions. When you need professional translation, interpreting, transcription, or legal support services, think Legal Language.